Drapery track system

ABSTRACT

A drapery track system is provided that includes one or more drapes, a motor adapted to spin a shaft in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, and a track system. The track system includes at least one track length secured to a fixed surface via a track securing mechanism, and a gearing assembly adapted to interface with the motor to translate the clockwise spin direction and counterclockwise spin direction to first and second movements, respectively, of the drapes. The track length also includes a carrier channel and a guide wheel channel, and the gearing assembly includes a timing belt adapted to be rotated by said motor. The track system further includes at least one track carrier adapted to be attached to the timing belt such that the drapes can be moved by the track carrier. The track carrier includes a plurality of independently mounted track carrier wheel assemblies adapted to rotate independently of each other within the carrier channel such that if one of the independently mounted wheel assemblies binds, the remaining independently mounted wheel assemblies can rotate freely. The track carrier further includes at least one guide wheel assembly located at a first end of the track carrier, the guide wheel assembly adapted to freely rotate within the guide wheel channel of the track length. The system further includes a drape truck assembly adapted to be removably secured to the drapes, and which includes at least two independently rotating truck wheels adapted to freely rotate within the carrier channel of the track length such that the one or more drapes can be moved by the motor.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/479,631, filed 8 Sep.2014, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Aspects of the embodiments relate generally to an integrated drapery anddrapery track system, and more specifically to systems, methods, andmodes for drapery controls, drapery tracks, and drapery adjustmentdevices for use in home or commercial applications.

Background Art

As can be appreciated by those of skill in the art, drapery systems foruse in residential and commercial settings have made significantimprovements in recent years. A drapery system will typically consist ofa track, track carriers (for holding the drapes to the track), and somemechanism for moving the drapes back and forth along the track. Thetrack is mounted either to a wall, or ceiling, and the mechanism formoving the drapes can be as simple as a pull cord—pulley system. Manypeople are probably familiar with the pull cord—pulley system, in whicha person can pull the cord in one direction to move the drapes one way,and pull the cord in a different direction to reverse the movement ofthe drapes.

Other more sophisticated drapery systems are also available. Forexample, there can be a motor drive system to move the drapes back andforth. The motor can be manually controlled by one or more interfaces,which can consist of one or more switches to control the movement of thedrapes, and/or the motor can be remotely controlled. Further, the motorcan be programmable and controlled by a home personal computer (PC), orlarger network in a business or “high-end” (i.e., very expensive)residential application.

When installing a drapery system, drapery tracks are sometimes installedflush against a ceiling. It is possible that either or both of theceiling and floor will not be perfectly level, and this will becomeevident once the drapery fabric panels are hung from the track. That is,once the drapes are hung, an ordinary observation of the drapery system,in some circumstances, will easily show that the distance between thetop of the drapery panel and the ceiling, or the bottom of the draperypanel and the floor will not be equal across the entire length of thetrack. There are two common solutions, neither of which may bedesirable. The first solution would be to shim the track. This wouldrequire taking the entire track down and creating shims, which is notonly time consuming, and thus adds to the expense of the installation,but also leads to the possibility of damaging the drapery system and/orceiling/wall. The other solution would be to adjust the hooking on thedrapery panels themselves, changing the distance between the top of thedrape and the ceiling (or floor) by adjusting the length of the hookthat hangs the drape to the trucks of the track (e.g., by cutting and/ortwisting/bending the hooks). If the person who made the fabric panels isnot present, another individual may not want to do this for fear ofdamaging the expensive drape material, and it can be just as difficultand expensive to accomplish as shimming the tracks. As those of skill inthe art can appreciate, neither solution is easy to implement, andtherefore are not very desirable to do.

In addition to the problems of securing the drapery track to a non-levelceiling, or over a non-level floor, the simple act of attaching thedrapery track to the ceiling (or wall) can be difficult in and ofitself. As those of skill in the art can appreciate, modern,sophisticated drapery systems include many moving parts, and a secure,non-interfering manner of installation of and between the components ofthe drapery system is paramount. Conventional solutions have tried tocreate special features in the top of the extrusion track that isolatethe method of attachment from the parts that move. While this has metwith some limited success in avoiding binding or catching of differentmoving components, installation can be difficult, and requiresadditional parts, which increases the expense thereof.

In addition to the problems of securing the track to the ceiling toavoid binding and catching of different moving components, there areproblems associated with track installation in some circumstances inregard to alignment between track components. For example, extra-long orcurved drapery tracks require the joining of several or many smallerlength pieces. In one rendition, a bracket can be used to secure orsplice both tracks next to each other. Because of tolerances in thebracket and track, there can be a significant amount of misalignment.This misalignment manifests itself in noise and/or binding of movingcomponents that either or both the homeowner or commercial user willhear when the tracker carrier or truck pass through the splice. Even ifmovement is not inhibited or prevented, the noise as the track carrierand trucks pass over the splice, which in an automated system could beseveral times a day, can be annoying.

As discussed above, many currently available sophisticated draperysystems have attempted to make improvements in different areas of thedrapery system to improve operation and reduce installation and usecosts. One such attempt is the use of striations on the timing beltchannel that guides the timing belt. Timing belts are used to move thetrack movable components, such as the track carriers and trucks. Thestriations that have been implemented allegedly reduce friction betweenthe timing belt and an extrusion wall that makes up the timing beltchannel. However, it has been found that triangular striations havesharp edges that can cause premature wear on the timing belt. This leadsto premature failures of the timing belts, which causes a significantamount of frustration and some expense to the homeowners and commercialusers of such sophisticated drapery systems.

One of the most sophisticated components of a drapery system is thetrack carrier. The track carrier—and generally there are at least onefor each drape in the drapery system—is responsible for moving the drapeback and forth, whether it is being moved by a motor and timing belt, orcord and pulley system. The track carrier is used to link the drape tothe timing belt, which transfers motion from the motor (or cord andpulley system). As those of skill in the art can appreciate, drapes canbe relatively heavy, and it has been found that reducing friction andbinding between the track carrier and the track is important. Thus,wheels have been used in an attempt to minimize friction, noise, andbinding as the track carrier moves through a track. However, existingsolid, hard plastic wheels have not proven to be effective in reducingnoise to acceptable levels to ensure quiet operation.

Certain companies have attempted to alleviate one or more of theproblems discussed above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,369, assignedto Lutron, describes a drapery system that includes an elongated trackhaving two track portions and an elongated rectangular splice structurefor coupling the two track portions together. Each track portion has asplice channel and at least one track hole located in the splicechannel. The splice structure has at least two splice holes extendingthrough the splice structure and is adapted to be received within thesplice channels. Screws are received through the splice holes and extendinto the track holes in a direction perpendicular to the splicestructure. The distance between the two splice holes is less than thedistance between the two track holes when the two track portions arealigned adjacent each other and the screws are not installed. Each ofthe screws contacts an edge of the respective track hole to provide alongitudinal force on the respective track portion when the screws areinstalled in the splice holes and track holes, such that the trackportions are allegedly forced together.

A further example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,145, assigned to LutronElectronics, in which is described an allegedly quiet drapery pullsystem that includes an elongated track that receives a master car andauxiliary cars. The track defines a pair of curved surfaces for nestedreceipt of roller members of the cars to facilitate linear tracking ofthe cars. The cars preferably include tires that are made from aresilient material to limit noises caused by rolling contact and byslipping and dragging of the tires upon contact with surfaceimperfections of the track. The drapery pull system preferably includesa drive belt connected to a reversible motor and to the master car fordriving the master car in each of opposite directions. The drive belt ispreferably made from a resilient material to limit noise associated withcontact between the drive belt and drive pulley and between the belt andthe track.

A further example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,403, assigned to LutronElectronics, in which is described an allegedly quiet drapery pullsystem that includes an elongated track that receives a master car andauxiliary cars. The track defines a pair of curved surfaces for nestedreceipt of roller members of the cars to facilitate linear tracking ofthe cars. The cars preferably include tires that are made from aresilient material to limit noises caused by rolling contact and byslipping and dragging of the tires upon contact with surfaceimperfections of the track. The drapery pull system preferably includesa drive belt connected to a reversible motor and to the master car fordriving the master car in each of opposite directions. The drive belt ispreferably made from a resilient material to limit noise associated withcontact between the drive belt and drive pulley and between the belt andthe track. However, none of these prior art solutions have solved theproblems of excess noise or binding of drapery systems.

Thus, there is a need for an integrated drapery and drapery track systemthat includes drapery controls, drapery tracks, and drapery adjustmentdevices for use in home or commercial applications.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least theproblems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at leastone or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems,methods, and modes for drapery controls, drapery tracks, and draperyadjustment devices for use in home or commercial applications that willobviate or minimize problems of the type previously described.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, aswell as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, aredescribed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presentedherein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will beapparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on theteachings contained herein.

According to an aspect of the embodiment, a drapery track system isprovided that includes one or more drapes, a motor adapted to spin ashaft in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction,and a track system. The track system includes at least one track lengthsecured to a fixed surface via a track securing mechanism, and a gearingassembly adapted to interface with the motor to translate the clockwisespin direction and counterclockwise spin direction to first and secondmovements, respectively, of the drapes. The track length also includes acarrier channel and a guide wheel channel, and the gearing assemblyincludes a timing belt adapted to be rotated by said motor. The tracksystem further includes at least one track carrier adapted to beattached to the timing belt such that the drapes can be moved by thetrack carrier. The track carrier includes a plurality of independentlymounted track carrier wheel assemblies adapted to rotate independentlyof each other within the carrier channel such that if one of theindependently mounted wheel assemblies binds, the remainingindependently mounted wheel assemblies can rotate freely. The trackcarrier further includes at least one guide wheel assembly located at afirst end of the track carrier, the guide wheel assembly adapted tofreely rotate within the guide wheel channel of the track length. Thesystem further includes a drape truck assembly adapted to be removablysecured to the drapes, and which includes at least two independentlyrotating truck wheels adapted to freely rotate within the carrierchannel of the track length such that the one or more drapes can bemoved by the motor.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a drapery track systemis provided, comprising one or more drapes, a motor adapted to beoperable to spin a shaft in both a clockwise direction and acounterclockwise direction, wherein said clockwise spin direction ofsaid shaft creates a first movement of said one or more drapes in afirst direction, and wherein said counterclockwise spin direction ofsaid shaft creates a second movement of said one or more drapes in asecond direction opposite to said first direction, a track system thatincludes at least one track length secured to a fixed surface via atrack securing mechanism, and a gearing assembly adapted to interfacewith said motor and to translate said clockwise spin direction andcounterclockwise spin direction to said first and second movements,respectively, of said one or more drapes, and wherein said at least onetrack length includes a carrier channel and a guide wheel channel, andwherein said gearing assembly includes a timing belt adapted to berotated by said motor, and wherein said track system further includes atleast one track carrier adapted to be attached to said timing belt suchthat said one or more drapes can be moved by said at least one trackcarrier that is moved by said timing belt that is moved by said motor,and wherein said track carrier includes a plurality of independentlymounted track carrier wheel assemblies adapted to rotate independentlyof each other within said carrier channel such that if one of saidplurality of independently mounted wheel assemblies binds the remainingindependently mounted wheel assemblies can freely rotate, and whereinsaid track carrier further includes at least one guide wheel assemblylocated at a first end of said track carrier, said guide wheel assemblyadapted to freely rotate within said guide wheel channel of said atleast one track length, and a drape truck assembly adapted to beremovably secured to said one or more drapes, and wherein said drapetruck assembly includes at least two independently rotating truck wheelsadapted to freely rotate within said carrier channel of said tracklength such that said one or more drapes can be moved by said motor.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the track carrierfurther comprises a second guide wheel, located at a second end of saidtrack carrier opposite that of said first end, wherein said second guidewheel is adapted to freely rotate within said guide wheel channel ofsaid at least one track length and to operate with said first guidewheel to substantially prevent rotation and binding of said trackcarrier within said carrier channel of said at least one track length.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, said guide wheelassembly comprises a guide wheel rim adapted to rotate about a firstaxis perpendicular to a direction of travel of said track carrier, and afirst outer tire portion (1606) located over said guide wheel rim, saidfirst outer tire portion made of a substantially softer, higherfrictional material than a material that said guide wheel rim is madeof, such that said guide wheel assembly is adapted to rotatesubstantially freely about the first axis, but is frictionally resistantto movement in any direction other than the direction of rotation.According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the substantiallysofter, higher frictional material comprises urethane.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, each of said pluralityof independently mounted track carrier wheel assemblies areindependently rotatable from each other, and wherein each of theindependently mounted track carrier wheels assemblies comprises a trackwheel rim that is independently rotatable of said other truck wheel rimsattached to a track carrier body portion of said track carrier, andwherein said track wheel rim is adapted to rotate about a second axisperpendicular to a direction of travel of said track carrier, and atrack wheel tire located over said track wheel rim, said track wheeltire made of a substantially softer, higher frictional material than amaterial that said track wheel rim is made of, such that each of saidindependent mounted truck carrier wheel assemblies are adapted to rotatesubstantially freely about said second axis, but is frictionallyresistant to movement in any direction other than the direction ofrotation, and wherein each of the track carrier wheel assemblies areadapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a direction of travelof said track carrier.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the substantiallysofter, higher frictional material comprises urethane, and each of saidplurality of independently mounted track carrier wheel assembliescomprises a track wheel that is independently rotatable of other trackwheels attached to a track carrier body portion of said track carrier,and wherein each of said track wheels are adapted to rotate about anaxis perpendicular to a direction of travel of said track carrier.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the carrier channelcomprises a plurality of track carrier wheel guides located at a bottomof said carrier channel, and wherein each of said plurality of trackcarrier wheel guides are adapted to retain a respective one of saidplurality of track carrier wheel assemblies when rotating, such thatlateral movement of said track carrier is substantially prevented.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, said track securingmechanism comprises a substantially centrally located track retentionchannel, located on an upper interior surface of said track length,wherein said substantially centrally located track retention channelruns a length of said track length, a reinforced area of track lengthmaterial located about said substantially centrally located trackretention channel adapted to strengthen said track length in a locationof said substantially centrally located track retention channel, a firstplurality of track mounting holes located along a scribe line that issubstantially centrally located within said substantially centrallylocated track retention channel, and a second plurality of tracksecuring apparatuses each of which is adapted to be placed within arespective one of said first plurality of track mounting holes andsecured to said fixed surface.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the drapery tracksystem further comprises at least one other track length, wherein eachtrack length includes two or more dowel pin holes correspondinglylocated on both ends of said track length such that a first dowel pinhole of a first track length at a first end of said first track lengthis in substantial alignment with a second dowel pin hole located on asecond track length at a second end of said second track length, and aplurality of finned dowel pins, each of said plurality of finned dowelsincluding one or more fins, adapted to be inserted into first intoeither of first or second dowel pin hole of a first track length, andthen to be inserted into a respective dowel pin hole of a second tracklength, thereby joining two or more track lengths together insubstantial alignment.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments the dowel pins furthercomprise a plurality of fins, located on both ends of said dowel pin,and wherein each of said fins comprises a first portion that issubstantially perpendicular from an outer surface of the dowel pin,wherein the first portion is substantially triangularly shaped incross-section, such that the first portion is wider at a base that islocated at the outer surface of the dowel pin, than the top-most portionthat has a relatively small radius, such that the top-most portion isrelatively sharp, and is therefore adapted to cut into a material thatthe track length is fabricated from. According to the first aspect ofthe embodiments, the fin further comprises a first angled portion at afirst end of the fin, formed at a first angle with respect to the outersurface of the dowel pin, and a second angled portion at a second end ofthe fin, formed at a second angle with respect to the outer surface ofthe dowel pin.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the drapery tracksystem further comprises a timing belt adapted to be moved by said motorto move said drapes, and wherein said track length further includes afirst and second timing belt channel, wherein each of said timing beltchannels are formed by a timing belt channel inner wall and a timingbelt channel outer wall, and wherein, each of said timing belt channelouter walls has an exterior surface that forms an outer layer surface ofsaid track lengths, and an inner surface, and wherein each of said innersurface of said timing belt channel outer walls includes a plurality ofsubstantially rounded striations of a first predetermined radius, saidstriations adapted to provide a substantially frictionless surface withrespect to said timing belt.

Still further according to the first aspect of the embodiments, saiddrape truck assembly further comprises a truck wheel carriage adapted tomate with said least two independently rotating truck wheels, a truckheight adjustment piece received by a bottom, lowest hanging portion ofsaid truck wheel carriage, and adapted to removably secure said one ormore drapes to said truck wheel carriage, and further wherein said truckheight adjustment piece is adapted to be adjustable in height withrespect said bottom, lower hanging portion of said truck wheel carriage,such that a height of said one or more drapes with respect to one ormore horizontal surfaces can be adjusted and maintained at a selectedheight position.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, said truck heightadjustment piece comprises a bolt with a threaded portion adapted to bereceived in a bolt-receiving threaded portion located on said bottom,lower hanging portion of said truck wheel carriage, such that uponturning said bolt in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, saiddrape can be raised or lowered, or vice-versa. According to the firstaspect of the embodiments, each of said at least two independentlyrotating truck wheels comprises a truck rim portion that isindependently rotatable of said other truck rim portions attached tosaid truck wheel carriage, and wherein said truck rim portion is adaptedto rotate about a third axis perpendicular to a direction of travel ofsaid truck assembly, and a truck tire portion located over said truckrim portion, said truck tire portion made of a substantially softer,higher frictional material than a material that said truck rim portionis made of, such that each of said independently rotatable truck wheelsare adapted to rotate substantially freely about said third axis, butare frictionally resistant to movement in any direction other than thedirection of rotation. According to the first aspect of the embodiments,said substantially softer, higher frictional material comprisesurethane.

According to a second aspect of the embodiments, a track carrier for usein a drapery track system is provided comprising a first and secondtrack carrier body part, adapted to be joined together to form saidtrack carrier, wherein each of said first and second track carrier bodyparts include first and second guide wheel mounting portionsrespectively, and further wherein said first and second guide wheelmounting portions form elongated portions extending away from each otherand a middle portion formed by said joining of said first second trackcarrier body parts, a plurality of track carrier wheel assemblies eachof which are adapted to rotate about respective axes of rotation thatcomprise a first set of axes of rotation, and wherein each axis ofrotation of said first set of axes of rotation are substantiallyperpendicular to first and second directions of travel of said trackercarrier, a plurality of guide wheel assemblies each of which are adaptedto rotate about respective axes of rotation that comprise a second setof axes of rotation, and wherein each axis of rotation of said secondset of axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to each axis ofrotation of said first set of axes of rotation, and further wherein eachaxis of rotation of said second set of axes of rotation aresubstantially perpendicular to said first and second directions oftravel of said track carrier, and a joining plate adapted to be placedbetween said first and second track carrier body parts and to facilitatejoining of said first and second track carrier body parts together.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the track carrierfurther comprises a plurality of timing belt clip attachmentreceptacles, and wherein said drapery track system includes one or moretracks, wherein each of said tracks includes a carrier channel adaptedto receive said plurality of track carrier wheel assemblies of saidtrack carrier, and a timing belt adapted to move said track carrier inboth said first and second directions, said timing belt including aplurality of timing belt clips adapted to releasably attach to saidrespective ones of said plurality of timing belt clip attachmentreceptacles, and further wherein each of said tracks further includes aguide wheel channel adapted to receive said plurality of guide wheels ofsaid track carrier, and wherein each of said plurality of track carrierwheel assemblies are adapted to rotate within said carrier channels ofsaid one or more tracks and wherein each of said plurality of trackcarrier guide wheel assemblies are adapted to rotate within said guidewheel channels of said one or more tracks.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, said track carrierwheel assembly comprises a track wheel rim made of a first material andwhich is independently rotatable of other truck wheel rims attached to atrack carrier body portion of said track carrier, and wherein each saidtrack wheel rim is adapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to adirection of travel of said track carrier, and a track wheel tire madeof a second material, and which is adapted to be located over said trackwheel rim such that said track wheel tire contacts portions of saidcarrier channel while each of said plurality of track wheel assembliesrotates.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, said second materialis softer than said first material and exhibits greater frictionalcontact with said carrier channel in any direction not in said first andsecond directions of travel when rotating, and further wherein saidsecond material comprises urethane. According to the second aspect ofthe embodiments, said track carrier wheel assembly comprises a trackwheel that is independently rotatable of other track wheels attached toa track carrier body portion of said track carrier, and wherein each ofsaid track wheels are adapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to adirection of travel of said track carrier.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, each of said aplurality of guide wheel assemblies comprises a guide wheel rim made ofa third material, and a guide wheel tire made of a fourth material, andwhich is adapted to be located over said guide wheel rim such that saidguide wheel tire contacts said guide wheel channels while each of saidplurality of guide wheel assemblies rotates, and wherein the fourthmaterial comprises urethane.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, said plurality ofguide wheel assemblies comprise a first guide wheel assembly located ata first end of a first guide wheel portion of said track carrier, and asecond guide wheel assembly located at a first end of a second guidewheel portion of said track carrier opposite to that of said first endguide wheel portion, wherein in operation within said guide wheelchannel, said pair of guide wheel assemblies are adapted tosubstantially prevent rotation of said track carrier about any axissubstantially perpendicular to said line formed by said first and seconddirections of travel.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments each of said pluralitytrack wheel carrier assemblies is adapted to rotate independently ofeach other, and each of said plurality guide wheel assemblies is adaptedto rotate independently of each other. Still further according to thesecond aspect of the embodiments, each of said axes of said first set ofaxes of rotation reside within a first plane, and wherein each of saidaxes of said second set of axes of rotation reside within a secondplane, and further wherein said first plane and said second plane areperpendicular to each other and to a third plane that encompasses saidfirst and second directions of travel.

According to a third aspect of the embodiments, a track for use in adrapery track system is provided comprising a pair of timing beltchannels adapted to contain a timing belt therein, each of said pair oftiming belt channels formed by a timing belt channel inner wall and atiming belt channel outer wall, wherein said timing belt channels aresubstantially parallel to each other, and wherein said timing belt outerwalls form an outer portion of said track, a carrier channel locatedbetween said timing belt inner walls, formed in part by said timing beltchannel inner walls, a substantially planar bottom for both of said pairof timing belt channels, and wherein an opening is formed in saidsubstantially planar bottom wall in said carrier channel to form a guidewheel channel, a track mounting mechanism adapted to secure said trackto a fixed surface, and a plurality of substantially rounded striationslocated on each of said inner wall portions of both of said timing beltchannel outer walls, wherein said striations have a first predeterminedradius, and said striations are adapted to provide a substantiallyfrictionless surface with respect to said timing belt.

According to the third aspect of the embodiments, the track furthercomprises at least four dowel pin holes, two of which are located at afirst end of said track, and two of which are located at a second end ofsaid track, such that when a second end of a second track is locatedadjacent to said first end of a first track, the four dowel pin holesare in substantial alignment with each other, and a plurality of finneddowel pins, each of said plurality of finned dowels including one ormore fins, wherein said finned dowel pins can be inserted into any ofsaid dowel pin holes on said first track or said second track, and matewith corresponding dowel pin holes on said second track or said firsttrack, thereby joining two or more track lengths in substantialalignment.

According to the third aspect of the embodiments, said dowel pinsfurther comprise the one or more fins on said dowel pins located at afirst end of said dowel pin, and further wherein said dowel pins furthercomprise a plurality of fins located on both sides of said dowel pin.According to the third aspect of the embodiments, said track mountingmechanism further comprises a substantially centrally located trackretention channel, located on an upper interior surface of said track,wherein said substantially centrally located track retention channelruns a length of said track, a reinforced area of track material locatedabout said substantially centrally located track retention channeladapted to strengthen said track in a location of said substantiallycentrally located track retention channel, a scribe line locatedsubstantially centrally within said track retention channel, a pluralityof track mounting holes located along said scribe line, and a pluralityof track securing apparatuses, a respective one of each to be placedwithin a respective one of said plurality of track mounting holes andsecured to a fixed surface upon which said track is to be mounted.

The aspects of the embodiments described herein seek to overcome or atleast ameliorate one or more of several problems described above,including but not limited to drapery track systems that bind, wearprematurely and/or are excessively noisy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments with reference to the following figures. Differentaspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered to illustrative rather than limiting. Thecomponents in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of theaspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drapery system for use ineither a residential or commercial setting according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a bottom, partial view of a track and itscomponents used in the drapery system of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a plurality of drape truck assembliesholding a drape in the drapery system of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a drape truck assembly of FIG. 3according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away, end view of the track of FIG. 2A showinga track securing configuration and track securing apparatus according toan embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates the cut-away view of the track of FIG. 5 including aportion of a drape truck assembly showing a clearance formed by thetrack securing configuration and track securing apparatus between anupper portion of an interior portion of the track with regard to theupper portion of a pair of wheels of the drape truck assembly accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the track of FIG. 2A showing aplurality of dowel pin holes adapted to accept finned dowel pins forsecuring a first track to a second track according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a finned dowel pin for use withthe dowel pin holes to facilitate alignment and interconnection of afirst track with a second track according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the track of FIG. 2A with aplurality of finned dowel pins inserted into respective ones of aplurality of dowel pin holes according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates first and second tracks just prior to mating usingone or more finned dowel pins and dowel pin holes according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11A illustrates cut-away, end view of the track of FIG. 2A showinga plurality of striations in each timing belt channel of the trackaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 11B illustrates a close-up view of the striations of the portion ofthe track shown in FIG. 11A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of track carriers for use in the draperysystem of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates the plurality of track carriers as shown in FIG. 12,one of which is assembled with the timing belt of FIGS. 2A and 2B, andthe other which is in a partially disassembled state, according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate several views of one of the track carrier shownin FIG. 12 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrate a cut-away, end view of the track of FIG. 2A with asimplified view of the track carrier of FIGS. 12-14 according to anembodiment.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a simplified side and top view of the trackcarrier of FIGS. 12-14 with a guide wheel assembly according to analternate embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates the track carrier of FIGS. 12-16B when tiltedcausing a potential binding situation, but which is alleviated by theindependently rotatable wheel assemblies of the track carrier accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of the finned dowel pin of FIG. 8according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a close up view of a fin of the finned dowel pin ofFIGS. 8 and 18 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a partial, exploded side view of the finned dowelpin of FIG. 8 according to aspects of the embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

100 Drapery System 102 Motor 104 Track 106 Drape 108 Drape TruckAssembly (Truck Assembly) 110 Drape Hook 112 Track Carrier 202 TimingBelt 204 Timing Belt Gear 206 Timing Belt Gear Teeth 208 Timing BeltTeeth 210 Track Timing Belt Channel Inner Wall 212 Track Timing BeltChannel Outer Wall 214 Track Retention Channel 216 Track Mounting Hole218 Scribe Line 220 Motor Drive Arm Receptacle 222 Timing Belt Channel402 Truck Wheel Carriage 404 Truck Height Adjustment Piece 406 Truck Rim408 Truck Tire 410 Truck Wheel 502 Track Securing Apparatus 504 TrackSecuring Mechanism 506 Reinforced Area 508 Carrier Channel 510 GuideWheel Channel 602 Clearance 702 Dowel Pin Hole 704 Dowel Pin HoleExtrusion Channel (Extrusion Channel) 800 Finned Dowel Pin 802 Fin 804Dowel Body 1102 Striation 1202 Track Carrier Wheel Assembly 1203 TrackWheel Rim 1204 Track Wheel Urethane Tire 1205 Track Wheel 1206 TruckCarrier Body 1207 Guide Wheel Mounting Portion 1208 Guide Wheel 1210Joining Plate 1211 Timing Belt Clip Attachment Receptacle 1212 TimingBelt Clip 1502 Track Carrier Wheel Guide 1600 Guide Wheel Assembly 1601Guide Wheel Rim 1602 Guide Wheel Urethane Tire (Guide Wheel Tire)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which different aspects of the embodimentsare shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appendedclaims. The detailed description that follows is written from the pointof view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood thatgenerally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to varioussubsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device orclass of devices, such as a drapery controlled system.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included inat least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of thephrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to thecontext of systems, methods, and modes for drapery controls, draperytracks, and drapery adjustment devices for use in home or commercialapplications, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forthexpressly in the appended claims.

For 40 years Creston Electronics Inc., has been the world's leadingmanufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovatingtechnology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses.Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutionsto control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. Inaddition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlinestechnology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings,universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations.Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of theembodiments described herein, as embodied as drapery controls, draperytracks, and drapery adjustment devices for use in home or commercialapplications can be manufactured by Crestron Electronics Inc., locatedin Rockleigh, N.J.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of drapery system 100 for use ineither a residential or commercial setting, and FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate a bottom, partial view of track 104 and its components usedin drapery system 100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. Draperysystem 100 includes track 104, motor 102, timing belt 202, drapes 106a,b, drape truck assembly (truck assembly) 108, hooks 110, and trackcarriers 112 a,b. Track 104 can be made up of one, two or even severaldifferent track pieces joined together. According to a further aspect ofthe embodiments, truck assembly 108 is described in greater detail belowin regard to FIGS. 3 and 4. According to an aspect of the embodiments,an apparatus and method for securing tracks 104 to a ceiling isdescribed in greater detail below in regard to FIGS. 5 and 6. Accordingto an aspect of the embodiments, an apparatus and method of joiningtrack portions together is described in greater detail below in regardto FIGS. 7-9. According to a further aspect of the embodiments,striations on a timing belt channel guide are described in greaterdetail below in regard to FIG. 10. According to still a further aspectof the embodiments, track carrier 112 is described in greater detailbelow in regard to FIGS. 11-16. Each aspect of the embodiments will nowbe discussed in turn.

As briefly mentioned above, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a bottom, partialview of track 104 and several of its components used in drapery system100 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. Shown in FIG. 2A is timingbelt 202. Timing belt 202, which is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2B,include timing belt (TB) teeth 208, and timing belt gear (TBG) 204, andTBG teeth 206. Timing belt 202 travels around timing belt gears 204 a,b,when driven, in this instance, by motor 102 (shown in FIG. 1, but not ineither of FIG. 2A or 2B) by action of a motor drive arm that fits intomotor drive arm receptacle 220 a (or 220 b, in the event motor 102should be placed at the opposite end of tracks 104). Timing belt 202travels in timing belt channel 222, which is partially comprised oftrack timing belt outer wall 212 and track timing belt inner wall 210.Timing belt channel 222 is shown in several of the Figures, butespecially FIG. 11 with regard to striations 1102 (described in greaterdetail below).

Further shown in FIG. 2A are track mounting holes 216, which are placedat predetermined intervals along an upper surface of track 104, andwhich have been created along scribe line 218, all of which is alsodescribed in greater detail below. Track mounting holes 216 are locatedwithin track retention channel 214; this is shown in greater detail inregard to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Attention is now directed towards FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a view ofdrape 106 held up by drape hooks 110 and truck assemblies 108 to track104, and FIG. 4 is a detailed view of truck assembly 108 according to anembodiment. Truck assembly 108 is one part of the interface betweendrapes 106, and track 104. Drape hooks 110 are connected to drapes 106,usually at the time of installation. Typically, drape hooks 110 aresimple hook devices, designed to attach to pre-strengthened points ondrapes 106 (not shown) and then to drape truck assembly 108. Drape truckassembly 108 is itself made up of two main components according to anembodiment: truck wheel carriage 402, and truck height adjustment piece404. According to an embodiment, the combination of truck wheel carriage402 and truck height adjustment piece 404 provides height adjustability.Simply by turning truck height adjustment piece 404 clockwise or counterclockwise, the installer can lower or raise a corresponding portion ofdrape 106, and set it in place, at a known, fixed, determinableposition. The installer now has the ability to adjust drapes 106 toensure that they are parallel without having to modify the trackinstallation, or the drape material itself. As those of skill in the artcan appreciate, it has been the experience of installers of expensivedraperies or shades that owners/users of such expensive items can bevery particular; therefore, it is important to provide systems, modes,and methods that afford the best installation and use experiencepossible. It is further know to those of skill in the industry thatshades and draperies can be made of materials that are not exactlyuniform and/or are uneven in terms of length; that is, they can be madeof cloth materials that have natural, inherent characteristics that makeit difficult to manufacture to very specific dimensions orlengths/widths. As such, the ability to adjust the height of theshade/drapery along the length of the tracks 104 can provide theadjustability to make the presentation of the shade/drape much moreaesthetically pleasing, meaning that it will be substantially uniform inappearance, which is highly desirable by the end user(s) or owner(s).

According to an embodiment, truck height adjustment piece 404 screwsinto truck wheel carriage 402 using a threaded portion of truck heightadjustment piece 404 and corresponding threaded receptacle of truckwheel carriage 404. Truck height adjustment piece 404 can then be raisedor lowered—and consequently drape 106 can be raised or lowered—byrotating truck height adjustment piece 404 clockwise orcounter-clockwise.

According to embodiments, the amount of adjustability is determinable bythe length of truck height adjustment piece 404 and the amount ofthreaded portion. According to further embodiments, ½″ of adjustabilityin either direction can be provided. As those of skill in the art canappreciate, such height adjustment example is just that, and is notmeant to be taken in limiting sense. Other lengths, and thus adjustmentheights, of truck height adjustment piece 404 can be provided and used.According to a further embodiment, other mechanisms can be provided andused to secure track 104 to the ceiling or wall in place of screw piece404 and provide height adjustment functionality. For example, piece 404can be a plain pin with a plurality of holes spaced apart, and a secondpin can be used to secure it at a desired position to provide a desiredheight for drapes 104. The second pin, similar to a cotter pin, can bere-located to provide the appropriate height adjustment. Other heightadjustment mechanisms can be envisioned as well, and all are consideredto be within the scope of the embodiments.

Truck assembly 108 further includes at least first and second truckwheels 410 a,b. As those of skill in the art can appreciate, typicallythere are at least two truck wheels 410 on each truck assembly, butthere can be three or more as well, depending on the size of track 104and weight of drapes 106. Each of first and second truck wheels 410 a,bcomprise truck tire 408, made of a first material, and truck rim 408,made of a second material; much like the wheel assemblies used in trackcarrier 112, discussed in greater detail below, the first material isgenerally a hard plastic material, and the second material is a softer,more frictional material. According to an embodiment, the secondmaterial can be a urethane, though that is not the only material thatincorporates the features as described above. According to furtherembodiments, other materials that can be used include neoprene,silicone, nitride (Buna-N), viton, among others, as those of skill inthe art can appreciate.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, it is generally desired inoperation of drapery track system 100 that the components that make upthe system operate smoothly, with little or no noise, and vibration, andto further resist tendencies to bind, especially components that residewithin track 104. Thus, according to an embodiment, truck assembly 108includes components that have been designed to be substantially smoothin operation, i.e., rotate freely, operate as noiselessly as possible,and resist tendencies to bind. Therefore, in furtherance of the desiredsubstantially smooth, noise free operation of truck assembly 108according to an embodiment, truck wheels 410 a,b sit within trackcarrier wheel guides 1502 a,b (shown below in regard to FIG. 15), whichsubstantially prevents any side-to-side (lateral) motion of truckassembly 108, due to the frictional engagement of the grooves of trackcarrier wheel guides 1502. As those of skill in the art can appreciate,side-to-side motion of truck assembly 108 will lead to situations inwhich binding can occur and/or excessive noise. That is, if truckassembly 108 were allowed to wander within carrier channel 508, then itcould bind, and/or create excessive noise as it moved from side-to-side.According to a further embodiment, however, because truck assembly 108includes wheels 1202 a,b with tires 1204, track 104 need not includetrack carrier wheel guides 1502; in this case, track 104 would looksubstantially similar to the configurations as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7,9, and 11A. Therefore, according to further embodiments, track 104, asconfigured and depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9 without track carrier wheelguides 1502, can be used with any one or more of the differentassemblies described herein, as can the particular configuration oftrack 104 as shown in depicted in FIGS. 7, 11A, 15, and 17 that doesincludes track carrier wheel guides 1502.

In furtherance of the desired substantially noise-free and binding-freeoperation of truck assembly 108, truck wheel 410, which is made of truckrim 406 and urethane truck tire (truck tire) 408, provides substantiallysmooth noise-free operation through carrier channel 508. According to anembodiment, truck tire 408 can be made separately, fashioned in theshape of an “O-ring,” using known O-ring manufacturing techniques.O-rings can be produced by extrusion, injection molding, pressuremolding, or transfer molding processes, as those of skill in the art canappreciate. In addition, truck tire 408 can also be made using anover-molding process. As those of skill in the art can appreciate,over-molding is the process wherein a pre-mold is insert molded out of afirst material, and then transferred to a second mold. Using a singleshot process, a second material is then molded over the first to createthe final molded part.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, truck tire 408 can be made ofurethane, which is softer than the polystyrene plastic that is typicallyused in the manufacture of many of the other components of draperysystem 100, as those of skill in the art can appreciate. Truck tire 408according to an embodiment provides not only a softer, cushionedinterface between track carrier wheel guide 1502 of carrier channel 508and truck assembly 108, but it also provides a greater frictionalengagement with track carrier wheel guide 1502. However, as those ofskill in the art can appreciate, the frictional engagement typicallydoes not come into play when truck assembly 108 rotates, but does comeinto play if truck wheel 410 attempts to move in a side-to-side motion(this is shown and described in greater detail below in regard to FIG.15, and track carrier 112; see, therefore, arrows A and B in FIG. 15).Thus, use of an O-ring as truck tire 408 over truck rim 406substantially prevents side-to-side motion, which substantiallyeliminates binding and excessive noise according to an embodiment.Furthermore, it should be apparent to those of skill in that art thatwhile a specific material has been discussed in regard to the aspect ofthe embodiments of truck tire 408, other materials can also be used thatare different than urethane but which provide substantially similarfunctionality in terms of frictional engagement and cushioning affect.Thus, the aspects of the embodiments are not meant to be, nor shouldthey be taken to be limited to urethane as the only material of whichtruck tire 408 can be made of. For example, another material that can beused to manufacture truck tire 408 could include polyoxymethylene (POM;and also known as Delrin or Acetal). Delrin, as those of skill in theart can appreciate, has a lower coefficient of friction than that ofurethane, which would reduce the amount of work the motor would have toperform, but as is often the case, could introduce more noise, as it isharder than urethane.

In furtherance of the desired effect of non-binding of the components ofdrapery system 100, including those that operate within track 104, eachof first and second truck wheels 410 a,b are rotatable independently ofeach other. That is, if, for example, first truck wheel 410 a binds, forwhatever reason, second truck wheel 410 b need not bind as well and willcontinue to rotate freely about its axis of rotation. While havingindependently rotatable truck wheels 410 cannot prevent binding, shouldit occur, it lessens the impact by at least half by allowing thenon-binded wheel to continue to rotate. An occurrence of binding of awheel is shown in FIG. 17 in regard to track carrier 112, and trackcarrier wheel assemblies 1202 a,b; this is discussed in greater detailbelow in regard to track carrier 112, but the principle with respect totruck wheels 410 a,b is substantially similar.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, shown therein is a side, cut-away view oftrack 104 of FIG. 2 illustrating a track securing mechanism 504 andtrack securing apparatus 502 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6illustrates the side, cut-away view of track 104 of FIG. 5 including aportion of truck assembly 108 showing a clearance 602 formed by tracksecuring mechanism 504 and track securing apparatus 502 between an upperportion of an interior portion of track 104 with regard to the upperportion of a pair of wheels of truck assembly 108 according to anembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, track securing mechanism 504 comprises reinforcedarea 506, track retention channel 214, track securing apparatus 502, andscribe line 218. Reinforced area 506 is a portion of track channel 104that includes additional material (typically, but not necessarilylimited to aluminum) built up around track retention channel 214, whichis recessed to provide clearance 602 between track securing apparatus502 and the top of truck assembly 108 (as shown in FIG. 6). Scribe line218 is provided to make it easier for installers to find the middle oftrack 104 to obtain the best possible securing configuration of track104 to a ceiling.

Track retention channel 214 is designed into track 104 such that tracksecuring apparatus 502, according to a non-limiting example, a #8 screw,can be recessed into track 104 above carrier channel 508 which is wheretrack carrier 112 and drape truck assembly 108 move within track 104.Also shown as part of track 104 is guide wheel channel 510, which isdiscussed in greater detail below. According to an embodiment, trackretention channel 214 is positioned in the center of track 104 and anyprotrusion from track securing apparatus 502 is well out of the way ofany moving parts (such as track carrier 112, or truck assembly 108).Scribe line 218 is added to track 104 as shown to help installers drillaccurate holes in the field when assembling drapery system 100. Even inthe event that track carrier 112 and/or truck assembly 108 should jumpup for some reason, it would not be able to interact or touch tracksecuring apparatus 502 because of reinforced area 506; thissubstantially prevents interference between the different components andblockages. According to further embodiments, track securing apparatus502 can also be nail, wood or metal screw, rivet, or other fasteningmechanism. Other securing mechanisms can be envisioned as well, and allare considered to be within the scope of the embodiments.

As described above, drapery system 100 can include several, if not manysections of track 104 joined together in the case of a drapery systemfor a large room, such as a conference room, or large banquet hall, in ahotel for example. If two or more of the sections were misaligned,excess noise by track carriers 112 can be generated and/or binding canoccur. To prevent this situation from occurring, system and method foraligning tracks 104 is presented in FIGS. 7-10. FIG. 7 illustrates aperspective view of track 104 of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of dowel pinholes 702 adapted to accept finned dowel pins 800 for securing firsttrack 104 a to second track 104 b according to an embodiment, as well asdowel pin hole extrusion channel (extrusion channel) 704. Extrusionchannel 704, also shown in FIG. 5, is provided to assist inmanufacturing track 104, as it is typically manufactured using anextrusion process, which is well known to those of skill in the art.FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of finned dowel pin 800 for usewith dowel pin holes 702 a,b to facilitate alignment and interconnectionof first track 104 a with second track 104 b according to an embodiment(and FIGS. 18-20 illustrates further views of dowel pin 800 and fins 802according to further aspects of the embodiments), and FIG. 9 illustratesa perspective view of track 104 with a plurality of finned dowel pins800 a,b inserted into respective ones of a plurality of dowel pin holes702 a,b according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates first and secondtracks 104 a,b just prior to mating using one or more finned dowel pins800 and dowel pin holes 702 according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, dowel pin holes 702 a,b are provided at eachend of track 104. Dowel pin holes 702 are sized to accept finned dowelpins 800, with fins 802. According to a further embodiment, fins 802 aresized such that they provide a tight, securing fit between dowel pins800 and track 104. As can be seen in FIG. 8, fins 802 generally coverabout half the length of finned dowel pins 800, though that need not bethe case. According to further embodiments, fins 802 can be provided oneither end of finned dowel pins 800. According to an embodiment, the endof dowel pin 800 with no fins 802 is adapted as a close slip fit withits respective down pin holes 702 to aid in substantially minimizingmisalignment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear view of finned dowel pin 800 of FIG. 8according to aspects of the embodiments, FIG. 19 illustrates a close upview of fin 802 of finned dowel pin 800 of FIGS. 8 and 18 according toaspects of the embodiments, and FIG. 20 illustrates a partial, explodedside view of finned dowel pin 800 of FIG. 8 according to aspects of theembodiments. Fins 802 can be regularly spaced about dowel body 804,which is substantially cylindrical in shape, and can have a smooth orirregular surface. Fins 802 can be attached to dowel body 804, but aregenerally molded with dowel body 804 as part of its manufacturingprocess. Fin 802 (there can be more than one, as shown in the Figures),according to aspects of the embodiments, protrude at a substantiallynormal angle from the surface of dowel body 804, and have a fin heighth_(fin), a point radius r_(fin), width w_(fin), and up to three separatelength components, L₁, L₂, and L₃, all of which will now be discussed.

Fins 802 are constructed with characteristics such that they can cutinto the material of track 104 when inserted into dowel pin holes 702;that is, their height h_(fin), length L₁+L₂+L₃, width w_(fin), and pointradius r_(fin), are such that fin 802 is readily capable ofplunging/cutting into the material of track 104 in dowel pin holes 702without the use of excessive force; e.g., it can be done by a “standard”able bodied installer. As such, radius r_(fin), is of sufficiently smalldimensions such that it is relatively sharp in view of the materials oftrack 104 (e.g., a first radius r_(fin1) for use first track 104 a madeof aluminum might not work for second track 104 b made of copper, orsome other harder metal). As those of skill in the art can nowappreciate, fins 802 substantially prevent twisting of a first track 104a in regard to a second track 104 b, for at least the reason that fins802 are embedded into track 104.

In regard to specific dimensions, those may be dictated by the materialthat track 104 is made of, the length of track 104, and other factors.As such, lengths L₁, L₂, and L₃, width w_(an), radius r_(fin), andheight h_(fin) can be different from one implementation to another. Inaddition, although three fins 802 a-c are shown in FIGS. 8, and 18-20,such should not be taken in a limiting sense; there can be one, two ormore than three such fins 802 in different embodiments of finned dowelpins 800 according to aspects of the embodiments. As further shown inFIG. 20, fins 802 can be further characterized with first and secondedges 806 a,b; as those of skill in the art can appreciate, having edges806 a,b formed at angles θ₁, θ₂, as shown forms a wedge that can thenmore readily be slid into a corresponding hole in track 104. One or morefins 802 can then be centered on dowel 804, such that a first portionsgoes into a first track 104 and a second portion goes into a secondtrack 104, or there can be two sets of fins at either end of dowel 804,or only a single set at one end of dowel 804. According to furtheraspects of the embodiments, lengths L₁, L₂, and L₃ do not have to be thesame, or two or more can be equal.

Attention is now directed towards FIG. 10, which illustrates tracks 104a,b just prior to mating using finned dowel pins 800 and dowel pin holes702 according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, finned dowelpins 800 can be installed either at the place of manufacture, or in thefield. Once finned dowel pins 800 have been installed into track 104 a,track 104 b can be mated with track 104 a. Use of finned dowel pins 800provides substantially better alignment between the two (or more)sections of track, and easier to obtain than prior art systems/methods.According to a further embodiment, finned dowel pins 800 can also beinstalled either before or after track 104 has been mated to the ceilingor wall. Improving alignment between sections of track 104 through theuse of finned dowel pins 800 minimizes the possibility of noiseresulting from misalignment.

FIG. 11A illustrates an end view of track 104 of FIG. 1 showing aplurality of striations 1102 in each timing belt channel 222 of track104 according to an embodiment. Striations 1102 as shown in FIG. 11A aregenerally rounded according to an embodiment. Rounding striations 1102provide at least two benefits according to an embodiment. First, roundedstriations 1102 offer less frictional contact with timing belt 202. Therounded nature of rounded striations 1102 make it easier for timing belt202 and timing belt clip 1212 to move across it; as those of skill inthe art can now appreciate, the sharp, triangular striations ofconventional tracks in conventional drapery systems dig into timing belt202 and timing belt clip 1212, causing additional friction and wear ontiming belt 202 and timing belt clip 1212, leading to prematurebreakage. In the case of timing belt clip 1212, significant scraping andscouring can occur. In addition, it is easier to manufacture track 104with rounded striations 1102 than with triangular striations. As thoseof skill in the art can appreciate, one known process for making track104 is an extrusion process. In this process, molten aluminum is pushedout through a die, and then pulled into a cooling bin. If the portion ofthe die includes triangular striations, the molten aluminum willexperience increased frictional flow across that portion of the die.This causes the pulling action to be less consistent, as some parts ofthe extruded material will encounter much less friction than others.Consequently, by making the striations rounded, the friction that isdeveloped is kept to a level more consistent with other flatter, orother rounded portions (such as in the corners of all of the channels),thereby making the entire extrusion process more consistent in terms offriction.

As shown in FIG. 11B, rounded striations 1102 can have radius ofcurvatures of r₁ and r₂. According to an embodiment, r₁ and r₂ can bethe same, or they can be different, and according to further aspects ofthe embodiments, the radii of curvature can vary along the height oftiming belt channel 222, meaning that there can be as many differentradii of curvature as there can be striations 1102. According to anembodiment, striations 1002 are made with a radius of curvature of about0.02 inches. According to a further embodiment, striations 1002 (withradii of curvature r₁ and r₂) are made with a radius of curvature thatranges from about 0.015 inches to about 0.025 inches. According to afurther embodiment, each striation 1002 need not be as exaggerated asshown in FIG. 11B; that is, the striations 1002 can be less than a fullhalf-circle, and often comprise an arc of about 45°; according to afurther embodiment, the arc of striations 1002 can range from about 30°to about 60°. Further, the distance between radii on a given side (i.e.,a peak-to-peak distance (distance between lines C and D, or distance D₁)can be about 0.063 inches, and according to a further embodiment can bebetween about 0.058 inches to about 0.068 inches. Further, the distancebetween radii on a given side (i.e., a valley-to-valley distance(distance between lines E and F, or distance D₂) can be about 0.063inches, and according to a further embodiment can be between about 0.058inches to about 0.068 inches. According to still a further embodiment,the distance from the lowest point (valley) to the highest (peak) ofstriations 1002, which is shown as distance D₃ (the distance betweenlines G and H), can be about 0.015 inches, and according to a furtherembodiment, can be between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches.According to still a further embodiment, all of the dimensions shown anddiscussed above in regard to radius, heights, distances, and so on, inregard to FIG. 11B, or any of the other Figures discussed above orbelow, can be modified, changed, or altered according to the specificdesign and shape and size of track 104 at the time of manufacture, andthe different aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the examplesdiscussed above.

As discussed above, prior art solutions attempting to reduce noise inoperation of drapery assemblies have first tried incorporating wheels,and then making them from resilient materials. These, though, have notmet with success. Track carrier 112, according to various aspects of theembodiments, however, further includes features that overcome theproblems of the prior art in reducing noise when operating motorizeddrapery systems (though embodiments described herein are not limited tomotorized systems). FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of track carriers112 for use in the drapery system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment,FIG. 13 illustrates the plurality of track carriers 112 as shown in FIG.12 assembled with 202 timing belt of FIGS. 2A and 2B according to anembodiment, FIGS. 14A-C illustrate several views of one the trackcarriers 112 shown in FIG. 12 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 15illustrate a cut-away, end view of track 104 of FIG. 2A with asimplified view of track carrier 112 of FIGS. 12-14 according to anembodiment.

Track carrier 112 includes one or more track carrier wheel assemblies1202 (each of which comprise track wheel rim 1203 and track wheelurethane tire (tire) 1204), first and second track carrier bodies 1206a,b, first and second guide wheels 1208 a,b, joining plate 1210, aplurality of timing belt clip attachment receptacles 1211 a-d, and firstand second timing belt clips 1212 a,b. According to an embodiment, trackwheel rim 1203 and tire 1204 can be fashioned as a unitary assembly, ofthe same material, such that there is no separate “tire.” In this case,the assembly of track wheel rim 1203 and tire 1204 can be referred tosimply as track wheel 1205, as shown in FIG. 12. According to anembodiment, tire 1204 can be a standard “O” ring device, sizedappropriately to fit over track wheel rim 1203, and can be made of anyone of neoprene, silicone, nitrile (Buna-N), and viton, or anothersubstantially similar material. According to still a further embodiment,track wheel rim 1203 and tire 1204 can be made according to anover-molding process as described above. In assembly, first and secondtrack carrier bodies 1206 a,b are joined together with joining plate1210 placed between them (see dashed lines in FIG. 13), through the useof screws, bolts, etc. Track carrier wheel assembly 1202, or track wheel1205, can be press-fit, snap-fit onto first and second track carrierbodies 1206 a,b, or they can be screwed, bolted together, in a mannerwell known to those of skill in the art, as can first and second guidewheels 1208 a,b. From here on in, any discussion of track carrier wheelassembly 1202 includes use, as a further embodiment, of track wheel1205. However, in fulfillment of the dual purposes of clarity andbrevity, reference will only be made to track carrier wheel assembly1202. Timing belt clips 1212, seen in FIG. 13, attach to track carrier112 at any one of timing belt clip attachment receptacle 1211 a-d,typically by a press fit operation. According to an embodiment, eachtrack carrier 112 includes timing belt clip attachment receptacle onboth sides of track carrier 112, as seen in FIG. 12, so that timing belt202 can be attached thereto on either side. A partially disassembledview of track carrier 112 is shown in FIG. 13 according to anembodiment.

As can be seen especially in FIG. 12, first and second guide wheels 1208a,b are located at first and second guide wheel portions 1207 a,b,respectively, of track carrier 112, which are, according to anembodiment, located at opposite ends of track carrier 112 (as those ofskill in the art can appreciate, other locations of the one or moreguide wheels 1208 a,b with respect to track carrier 112 are alsopossible). Guide wheels 1208 provide a means for much quieter operationof track carrier 112 by prohibiting excess shimmy in operation of trackcarrier 112 as it moves within track 104. FIG. 15 illustrates theprinciple of operation of guide wheels 1208; when track carrier 112 isplaced in track 104, guide wheel 1208 is located in guide wheel channel510 with just enough clearance to move in rotatingly, free manner.Because guide wheels 1208 are located at or near the extreme ends oftrack carrier 112, guide wheels 1208 substantially prevent anyside-to-side movement of track carrier 112 as it moves within trackcarrier 112. According to further aspects of the embodiments, theplacement of guide wheels 1208 on track carrier 112 optimizes thereduction of rotational motion of track carrier 122; that is, accordingto aspects of the embodiments, those of skill in the art can now furtherappreciate that placement of guide wheels 1208 in any location does notprovide as good as rotational motion prevent as the aspects of theembodiments shown in FIG. 12 when guide wheels 1208 are located betweentrack carrier wheel assemblies 1202 a,b and the extreme ends of trackcarrier 112. Or, stating the principle in a different manner, placementof guide wheels 1208 a,b in the position shown maximizes linearoperation and motion of track carrier 112 according to further aspectsof the embodiments.

In furtherance of the desired substantially smooth, non-rotationalmotion of track carrier 112 according to an embodiment, track carrierwheel assemblies 1202 a,b sit within track carrier wheel guides 1502a,b, further substantially preventing any side-to-side motion of trackcarrier 112, due to the frictional engagement of the grooves of trackcarrier wheel guides 1502. As those of skill in the art can appreciate,side-to-side motion of track carrier 112 will lead to situations inwhich binding can occur and/or excessive noise. That is, if trackcarrier 112 were allowed to wander within carrier channel 508, then itcould bind, and/or create excessive noise as it moved from side-to-side.According to a further embodiment, however, and as discussed above,tracks 104 do not contain track carrier wheel guides 1502, and insteadare substantially smooth and planar on the same surface. Track carrier112, using track carrier wheel assemblies 1202 manufactured inaccordance with the discussion herein, do not suffer from excessiveside-to-side motion, and binding and excessive noise is substantiallyprevented. Further, due to the loads that can be borne by track carriers112 use of track carrier wheel assemblies 1202 as described hereinexhibit substantial strength and can move the loads (heavy drapes)without binding, excessive noise, and premature failure.

In furtherance of the desired substantially noise-free and binding-freeoperation of track carrier 112, track carrier wheel assembly 1202, whichis made of track wheel rim 1203 and track wheel urethane tire (tire)1204, provides substantially smooth noise-free operation through carrierchannel 508. As with truck tire 408, track wheel tire 1204 can befashioned in the form of an O-ring, and manufactured according to theprocesses described above. Track wheel tire 1204 can be made ofurethane, which is softer than the polystyrene plastic that is typicallyused in the manufacture of many of the other components of draperysystem 100, as those of skill in the art can appreciate. Track wheeltire 1204 according to an embodiment provides not only a softer,cushioned interface between track carrier wheel guide 1502 of carrierchannel 508 and track carrier 112, but it also provides a greaterfrictional engagement with track carrier wheel guide 1502. However, asthose of skill in the art can appreciate, the frictional engagementtypically does not come into play when track carrier wheel assembly 1202rotates, but does come into play if track carrier wheel assembly 1202attempts to move in a side-to-side (lateral) motion (see arrows A and Bin FIG. 15). Thus, use of the track wheel urethane cover as track wheeltire 1204 over track wheel rim 1203 substantially prevents side-to-sidemotion, which substantially eliminates binding and excessive noiseaccording to an embodiment. Furthermore, it should be apparent to thoseof skill in that art that while a specific material has been discussedin regard to the aspect of the embodiments of track wheel tire 1204,other materials can also be used that are different than urethane thatprovide substantially similar functionality in terms of frictionalengagement and cushioning affect. Thus, the aspects of the embodimentsare not meant to be, nor should they be taken to be limited to urethaneas the only material of which track wheel tire 1204 can be made of.

In furtherance of the desired effect of non-binding of the components ofdrapery system 100, including those that operate within track 104, eachof wheel assemblies 1201 are rotatable independently of each other. Thatis, if, for example, track carrier wheel assembly 1202 b binds, forwhatever reason, as shown in FIG. 17 (see point A in FIG. 17), trackcarrier wheel assembly 1202 a of track carrier 112 need not bind as welland will continue to rotate freely about its axis of rotation. Whilehaving independently rotatable track carrier wheel assemblies 1202cannot prevent binding, should it occur, it lessens the impact by atleast half by allowing the non-binded wheel to continue to rotate. Asthose of skill in the art can appreciate, binding can occur as shown inFIG. 17 when an owner/operator of drapery system 100 pulls drapes 106 toone side or the other, or if some impediment gets in the way of drapes106.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a portion of a simplified side and top viewof track carrier 112 of FIGS. 12-14 with guide wheel assembly 1600according to a further embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16Aand 16B, guide wheel 1208 has now been replaced by guide wheel assembly1600, which comprises guide wheel 1208′ and guide wheel urethane tire(guide wheel tire) 1602. As with truck tire 408, guide wheel tire 1602can be fashioned in the form of an O-ring, and manufactured according tothe processes described above. In this aspect of the embodiments, guidewheel rim 1601 is slightly different than guide wheel 1208 in that theformer will have a smaller diameter than that of the latter in order toallow for the relatively thin layer of guide wheel tire 1602 that coversguide wheel rim 1601. That is, in order to allow guide wheel assembly1600 to take the place of guide wheel 1208, guide wheel rim 1601generally will have a smaller diameter so that when guide wheel tire1602 is put over guide wheel rim 1601 it will fit within guide wheelchannel 510 (presuming, however, that a substantially similar or thesame track 104 is being used for both aspects of the embodiments).

According to an aspect of the embodiments, as with track carrier wheelassembly 1202 and its respective track wheel urethane tire 1204, guidewheel tire 1602 can also be made of urethane, or some other similarmaterial that exhibits similar or substantially similar characteristics,so that a substantially frictionless rolling and cushioned engagementoccurs between guide wheel assembly 1600 and track 104 within guidewheel channel 510, but which also provides frictional engagement in anyunwanted up-down motions of track carrier 112 to limit such up and downmotions (see FIG. 15, and arrows C and D). That is, as track carrier 112moves within carrier channel 508, and either or both of guide wheel 1208or guide wheel assembly 1600 moves within guide wheel channel 510, guidewheel 1208 or guide wheel assembly 1600 prevent any unwanted motionother than the motion in the direction of travel which is in thedirection of track 104 (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the drawingsheet of FIG. 15), even if track 104 is curved.

Furthermore, it should be apparent to those of skill in that art thatwhile a specific material has been discussed in regard to the aspect ofthe embodiments of guide wheel tire 1602, other materials can also beused that are different than urethane that provide substantially similarfunctionality in terms of frictional engagement, and cushioning affect.Thus, the aspects of the embodiments are not meant to be, nor shouldthey be taken to be limited to urethane as the only material of whichguide wheel tire 1602 is comprised of.

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification inalphabetical order.

TB Timing Belt TBG Timing Belt Gear POM Polyoxymethylene

The disclosed embodiments provide a system and a method of operation fora drapery system that can include motorized components for moving drape106 along track 104. Drapery system 100 according to different aspectsof the embodiments include: (a) rounded striations within track 104 toreduce friction and extend the life of timing belt 202; (b) heightadjustment mechanisms to ensure the evenness and proper fitting ofdrapes 106; (c) alignment pins and respective channels within track 104to facilitate better alignment of tracks 104 and thus smooth operationof track carrier 112, thereby reducing noise and ensuring substantiallyerror-free operation; (d) a mechanism for securing track(s) 104 tosupporting structure in a hardier and more secure manner; and (e) trackcarrier 112 that includes track carrier wheel assembly 1202 thatcomprises track wheel urethane tire 1204 for substantially noise- anderror-free operation of drapery system 100.

It should be understood that this description is not intended to limitthe embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in thespirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understandingof the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art wouldunderstand that various embodiments may be practiced without suchspecific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments aredescribed being in particular combinations, each feature or element canbe used alone, without the other features and elements of theembodiments, or in various combinations with or without other featuresand elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosedto enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in allrespects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus theembodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementationthat can be derived from the description contained herein by a personskilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in thedescription of the present application should be construed as criticalor essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such.Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or moreitems.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, andpublications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drapery track system, comprising: one or moredrapes; a motor adapted to be operable to spin a shaft in both aclockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, wherein saidclockwise spin direction of said shaft creates a first movement of saidone or more drapes in a first direction, and wherein saidcounterclockwise spin direction of said shaft creates a second movementof said one or more drapes in a second direction opposite to said firstdirection; a track system that includes at least one track lengthsecured to a fixed surface via a track securing mechanism, and a gearingassembly adapted to interface with said motor and to translate saidclockwise spin direction and counterclockwise spin direction to saidfirst and second movements, respectively, of said one or more drapes,and wherein said at least one track length includes a carrier channeland a guide wheel channel, and wherein said gearing assembly includes atiming belt adapted to be rotated by said motor, and wherein said tracksystem further includes at least one track carrier adapted to beattached to said timing belt such that said one or more drapes can bemoved by said at least one track carrier that is moved by said timingbelt that is moved by said motor, and wherein said track carrierincludes at least a first and second independently mounted track carrierwheel assembly, each of which are adapted to rotate independently ofeach other within said carrier channel such that if one of saidindependently mounted wheel assembly binds the other independentlymounted wheel assembly can freely rotate, and wherein said track carrierfurther includes a first and second guide wheel assembly, said first andsecond guide wheel assemblies each comprising respective guide wheelsadapted to freely rotate about a respective axis of rotation, whereinsaid first guide wheel assembly is located at a first extreme end ofsaid track carrier and near a first track carrier wheel assembly that islocated near the first extreme end of said track carrier, but whereinsaid first guide wheel assembly is closer to the first extreme end thenthe first track carrier wheel assembly, and further wherein said secondguide wheel assembly is located at a second, opposite extreme end ofsaid track carrier than the first extreme end of said track carrier andnear a second track carrier wheel assembly that is located near thesecond extreme end of said track carrier, but wherein said second guidewheel assembly is closer to the second extreme end then the second trackcarrier wheel assembly, and wherein said first and second guide wheelassemblies are adapted to substantially prevent rotation and binding ofsaid track carrier within said carrier channel; and a drape truckassembly adapted to be removably secured to said one or more drapes, andwherein said drape truck assembly includes at least two independentlyrotating truck wheels adapted to freely rotate within said carrierchannel of said track length such that said one or more drapes can bemoved by said motor.
 2. The drapery track system according to claim 1,wherein each of said guide wheel assemblies comprises: a guide wheel rimadapted to rotate about a first axis perpendicular to a direction oftravel of said track carrier; and a first outer tire portion locatedover said guide wheel rim, said first outer tire portion made of asubstantially softer, higher frictional material than a material thatsaid guide wheel rim is made of, such that said guide wheel assembly isadapted to rotate substantially freely about the first axis, but isfrictionally resistant to movement in any direction other than thedirection of rotation.
 3. The drapery track system according to claim 1,wherein each of said plurality of independently mounted track carrierwheel assemblies are independently rotatable from each other, andwherein each of the track carrier wheel assemblies comprises: a trackwheel rim that is independently rotatable of said other truck wheel rimsattached to a track carrier body portion of said track carrier, andwherein said track wheel rim is adapted to rotate about a second axisperpendicular to a direction of travel of said track carrier; and atrack wheel tire located over said track wheel rim, said track wheeltire made of a substantially softer, higher frictional material than amaterial that said track wheel rim is made of, such that each of saidindependent mounted truck carrier wheel assemblies are adapted to rotatesubstantially freely about said second axis, but is frictionallyresistant to movement in any direction other than the direction ofrotation, and wherein each of the track carrier wheel assemblies areadapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a direction of travelof said track carrier.
 4. The drapery track system according to claim 1,wherein said carrier channel comprises: a plurality of track carrierwheel guides located at a bottom of said carrier channel, and whereineach of said plurality of track carrier wheel guides are adapted toretain a respective one of said plurality of track carrier wheelassemblies when rotating, such that lateral movement of said trackcarrier is substantially prevented.
 5. The drapery track systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said track securing mechanism comprises: asubstantially centrally located track retention channel, located withinan upper interior surface of said track length track carrier channel,wherein said substantially centrally located track retention channelruns a length of said track length; a reinforced area of track lengthmaterial located about said substantially centrally located trackretention channel adapted to strengthen said track length in a locationof said substantially centrally located track retention channel; a firstplurality of track mounting holes located along a scribe line that issubstantially centrally located within said substantially centrallylocated track retention channel; and a second plurality of tracksecuring apparatuses, each of which is adapted to be placed within arespective one of said first plurality of track mounting holes andsecured to said fixed surface.
 6. The drapery track system according toclaim 1, further comprising: at least one other track length, whereineach track length includes two or more dowel pin holes correspondinglylocated on both ends of said track length such that a first dowel pinhole of a first track length at a first end of said first track lengthis in substantial alignment with a second dowel pin hole located on asecond track length at a second end of said second track length; and aplurality of finned dowel pins, each of said plurality of finned dowelpins includes one or more fins adapted to be inserted into either of afirst or second dowel pin hole of a first track length, and then to beinserted into a respective dowel pin hole of a second track length,thereby joining two track lengths together in substantial alignment. 7.The drapery track system according to claim 6, wherein each of said finscomprises: a first portion that is substantially perpendicular from anouter surface of the dowel pin, wherein the first portion issubstantially triangularly shaped in cross-section, such that the firstportion is wider at a base that is located at the outer surface of thedowel pin, than the top-most portion that has a relatively small radius,such that the top-most portion is relatively sharp, and is thereforeadapted to cut into a material that the track length is fabricated from.8. The fin according to claim 7, further comprising: a first angledportion at a first end of the fin, formed at a first angle with respectto the outer surface of the dowel pin; and a second angled portion at asecond end of the fin, formed at a second angle with respect to theouter surface of the dowel pin.
 9. The drapery track system according toclaim 1, further comprising: a timing belt adapted to be moved by saidmotor to move said drapes, and wherein said at least one track lengthfurther includes a first and second timing belt channel, wherein each ofsaid timing belt channels are formed by a timing belt channel inner walland a timing belt channel outer wall, and wherein, each of said timingbelt channel outer walls has an exterior surface that forms an outerlayer surface of said at least one track length, and an inner surface,and wherein each of said inner surface of said timing belt channel outerwalls includes a plurality of substantially rounded striations of afirst predetermined radius, said striations adapted to provide asubstantially frictionless surface with respect to said timing belt. 10.The drapery system according to claim 1, wherein said drape truckassembly further comprises: a truck wheel carriage adapted to mate withsaid least two independently rotating truck wheels; a truck heightadjustment piece received by a bottom, lowest hanging portion of saidtruck wheel carriage, and adapted to removably secure said one or moredrapes to said truck wheel carriage, and further wherein said truckheight adjustment piece is adapted to be substantially continuouslyadjustable in height with respect said bottom, lower hanging portion ofsaid truck wheel carriage, from between a lowermost position to anuppermost position, such that a height of said one or more drapes withrespect to one or more horizontal surfaces can be adjusted andmaintained at a selected height position.
 11. The drapery systemaccording to claim 10, wherein said truck height adjustment piececomprises: a bolt with a threaded portion adapted to be received in abolt-receiving threaded portion located on said bottom, lower hangingportion of said truck wheel carriage, such that upon turning said boltin a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, said drape can be raisedor lowered, or vice-versa.
 12. The drapery system according to claim 10,wherein each of said at least two independently rotating truck wheelscomprises: a truck rim portion that is independently rotatable of saidother truck rim portions attached to said truck wheel carriage, andwherein said truck rim portion is adapted to rotate about a third axisperpendicular to a direction of travel of said truck assembly; and atruck tire portion located over said truck rim portion, said truck tireportion made of a substantially softer, higher frictional material thana material that said truck rim portion is made of, such that each ofsaid independently rotatable truck wheels are adapted to rotatesubstantially freely about said third axis, but are frictionallyresistant to movement in any direction other than the direction ofrotation.
 13. A track carrier for use in a drapery track system,comprising: a first and second track carrier body part, adapted to bejoined together to form said track carrier, wherein each of said firstand second track carrier body parts include first and second “L” shapedguide wheel mounting portions respectively, and further wherein saidfirst and second “L” shaped guide wheel mounting portions formrespective elongated portions extending away from each other and amiddle portion formed by said joining of said first second track carrierbody parts; a plurality of track carrier wheel assemblies each of whichare adapted to rotate about respective axes of rotation that comprise afirst set of axes of rotation, and wherein each axis of rotation of saidfirst set of axes of rotation are substantially perpendicular to firstand second directions of travel of said tracker carrier; a plurality ofguide wheel assemblies each of which are adapted to rotate aboutrespective axes of rotation that comprise a second set of axes ofrotation, and wherein each axis of rotation of said second set of axesof rotation are substantially perpendicular to each axis of rotation ofsaid first set of axes of rotation, and further wherein each axis ofrotation of said second set of axes of rotation are substantiallyperpendicular to said first and second directions of travel of saidtrack carrier, and wherein said plurality of guide wheel assemblies arelocated on respective first and second “L” shaped guide wheel mountingportions; and a joining plate adapted to be placed between said firstand second track carrier body parts and to facilitate joining of saidfirst and second track carrier body parts together.
 14. The trackcarrier according to claim 13, further comprising: a plurality of timingbelt clip attachment receptacles, and wherein said drapery track systemincludes one or more tracks, wherein each of said tracks includes acarrier channel adapted to receive said plurality of track carrier wheelassemblies of said track carrier, and a timing belt adapted to move saidtrack carrier in both said first and second directions, said timing beltincluding a plurality of timing belt clips adapted to releasably attachto said respective ones of said plurality of timing belt clip attachmentreceptacles, and further wherein each of said tracks further includes aguide wheel channel adapted to receive said plurality of guide wheels ofsaid track carrier, and wherein each of said plurality of track carrierwheel assemblies are adapted to rotate within said carrier channels ofsaid one or more tracks and wherein each of said plurality of trackcarrier guide wheel assemblies are adapted to rotate within said guidewheel channels of said one or more tracks.
 15. The track carrieraccording to claim 13, wherein said track carrier wheel assemblycomprises: a plurality of track wheel rims made of a first material, andwherein each of which is independently rotatable of other truck wheelrims attached to a track carrier body portion of said track carrier, andwherein each said track wheel rim is adapted to rotate about an axisperpendicular to a direction of travel of said track carrier; and atrack wheel tire made of a second material, and which is adapted to belocated over said track wheel rim such that said track wheel tirecontacts portions of said carrier channel while each of said pluralityof track wheel assemblies rotates.
 16. The track carrier according toclaim 13, wherein said track carrier wheel assembly comprises: a trackwheel that is independently rotatable of other track wheels attached toa track carrier body portion of said track carrier, and wherein each ofsaid track wheels are adapted to rotate about an axis perpendicular to adirection of travel of said track carrier.
 17. The track carrieraccording to claim 13, wherein said plurality of guide wheel assembliescomprise: a first guide wheel assembly located at a first end of a firstguide wheel portion of said track carrier; and a second guide wheelassembly located at a first end of a second guide wheel portion of saidtrack carrier opposite to that of said first end guide wheel portion,wherein in operation within said guide wheel channel, said pair of guidewheel assemblies are adapted to substantially prevent rotation of saidtrack carrier about any axis substantially perpendicular to said lineformed by said first and second directions of travel, and furtherwherein said first guide wheel assembly is located at a first extremeend of said track carrier and near a first track carrier wheel assemblythat is located near the first extreme end of said track carrier, butwherein said first guide wheel assembly is closer to the first extremeend then the first track carrier wheel assembly, and further whereinsaid second guide wheel assembly is located at a second, oppositeextreme end of said track carrier than the first extreme end of saidtrack carrier and near a second track carrier wheel assembly that islocated near the second extreme end of said track carrier, but whereinsaid second guide wheel assembly is closer to the second extreme endthen the second track carrier wheel assembly, and wherein each of said aplurality of guide wheel assemblies comprises a guide wheel, and a guidewheel tire adapted to be located over said guide wheel rim such thatsaid guide wheel tire contacts said guide wheel channels while each ofsaid plurality of guide wheel assemblies rotates.
 18. The track carrieraccording to claim 13, wherein each of said plurality track carrierwheel assemblies is adapted to rotate independently of each other, andwherein each of said plurality guide wheel assemblies is adapted torotate independently of each other.
 19. A track for use in a draperytrack system comprising: a pair of timing belt channels adapted tocontain a timing belt therein, each of said pair of timing belt channelsformed by a timing belt channel inner wall and a timing belt channelouter wall, wherein said timing belt channels are substantially parallelto each other, and wherein said timing belt outer walls form an outerportion of said track; a carrier channel located between said timingbelt inner walls, formed in part by said timing belt channel innerwalls; a substantially planar bottom for both of said pair of timingbelt channels, and wherein an opening is formed in said substantiallyplanar bottom wall in said carrier channel to form a guide wheelchannel; a track mounting mechanism adapted to secure said track to afixed surface, wherein said track mounting mechanism comprises asubstantially centrally located track retention channel, located withinan upper interior surface of said track carrier channel, wherein saidsubstantially centrally located track retention channel runs a length ofsaid track; and a plurality of substantially rounded striations locatedon each of said inner wall portions of both of said timing belt channelouter walls, wherein said striations have a first predetermined radius,and said striations are adapted to provide a substantially frictionlesssurface with respect to said timing belt.
 20. The track according toclaim 19, further comprising: at least a first and second track piece;at least four dowel pin holes, two of which are located at a first endof said first track piece, and two of which are located at a second endof said second track piece, such that when a second end of said secondtrack piece is located adjacent to said first end of said first trackpiece, the four dowel pin holes are in substantial alignment with eachother; and a plurality of dowel pins, each of said plurality of dowelspins including one or more fins, wherein said finned dowel pins can beinserted into any of said dowel pin holes on said first track piece orsaid second track piece, and mate with corresponding dowel pin holes onsaid second track piece or said first track piece, thereby joining twoor more track pieces in substantial alignment.
 21. The track accordingto claim 20, wherein said track mounting mechanism further comprises: areinforced area of track material located about said substantiallycentrally located track retention channel adapted to strengthen saidtrack in a location of said substantially centrally located trackretention channel; a scribe line located substantially centrally withinsaid track retention channel; a plurality of track mounting holeslocated along said scribe line; and a plurality of track securingapparatuses, a respective one of each to be placed within a respectiveone of said plurality of track mounting holes and secured to a fixedsurface upon which said track is to be mounted.